This study investigates the problem of leader-following consensus for multi-agent systems with output saturations. This study assumes that the agents are described as a neutrally stable system, and the leader agent generates the bounded trajectory within the saturation level. Then, the objective of the leader-following consensus is to track the trajectory of the leader by exchanging information with neighbors. To solve this problem, we propose an observer-based distributed consensus algorithm. Then, we provide a consensus analysis by applying the Lyapunov stability theorem and LaSalle's invariance principle. The result shows that the agents achieve the leader-following consensus in a global sense. Moreover, we can achieve the consensus by choosing any positive control gain. Finally, we perform a numerical simulation to demonstrate the validity of the proposed algorithm.

In this study, we present a new scheme for smart education utilizing the concept of a blockchain for question sharing. A two-phase encryption technique for encrypting question papers (QSPs) is proposed. In the first phase, QSPs are encrypted using a timestamp, and in the second phase, previously encrypted QSPs are encrypted again using a timestamp, salt hash, and hash from the previous QSPs. These encrypted QSPs are stored in a blockchain along with a smart contract that helps the user to unlock the selected QSP. An algorithm is also proposed for selecting a QSP for the exam that randomly picks a QSP. Moreover, a timestamp-based lock is imposed on the scheme so that no one can decrypt the QSP before the allowed time. Security analysis is conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed scheme against different attacks. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed scheme is demonstrated through implementation, and the superiority of the proposed scheme over existing schemes is proven through a comparative study based on different features.

The explosive growth of data traffic and services has created cost challenges for networks. Studies have attempted to effectively apply network slicing in fifth generation networks to provide high speed, low latency, and various compatible services. However, in network slicing using mixed-integer linear programming, the operation count increases exponentially with the number of physical servers and virtual network functions (VNFs) to be allocated. Therefore, we propose an efficient slice allocation method based on cluster technology, comprising the following three steps: i) clustering physical servers; ii) selecting an appropriate cluster to allocate a VNF; iii) selecting an appropriate physical server for VNF allocation. Solver runtimes of the existing and proposed methods are compared, under similar settings, with respect to intra-slice isolation. The results show that solver runtime decreases, by approximately 30% on average, with an increase in the number of physical servers within the cluster in the presence of intra-slice isolation.

Morphological analysis is used for searching sentences and understanding context. As most morpheme analysis methods are based on predefined dictionaries, the problem of a target word not being registered in the given morpheme dictionary, the so-called unregistered word problem, can be a major cause of reduced performance. The current practical solution of such unregistered word problem is to add them by hand-write into the given dictionary. This method is a limitation that restricts the scalability and expandability of dictionaries. In order to overcome this limitation, we propose a novel method to automatically expand a dictionary by means of use-case analysis, which checks the validity of the unregistered word by exploring the use-cases through web crawling. The results show that the proposed method is a feasible one in terms of the accuracy of the validation process, the expandability of the dictionary and, after registration, the fast extraction time of morphemes.

In this study, the author introduces a supply-chain management (SCM) solution that connects suppliers, manufacturers, customers, and other companies within a transactional relationship to enable efficient inventory management and timely product supply, which ultimately maximizes corporate profits. This proposed solution exploits Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), which provide solutions to complex management issues generated by the broader market. The goal of the current study was to develop an advanced and intelligent smart SCM solution that complies with logistics standards, to enhance the visibility, safety, and efficiency of a supply chain made up of manufacturers and suppliers. This smart SCM solution aims at maximizing corporate profits through efficient inventory management and timely supply of products, and solves the complex management problems caused by operating within a wide range of markets.

Motion tracking and localization devices are an important building block of motion tracking systems in a virtual reality (VR) environment. This study is about improving the accuracy of motion and location for enhancing user immersion in experience type VR environment to position tracking technique. In this study, we propose and test a design of such a device. The module data test of the attitude and heading reference system shows that the implementation with the MPU-9250 sensor is successful and adequate to be used with short operation time. We consider various sensor hardware dependencies of VR, and compare various correction methods and filtering methods to lower the motion to photon (MTP) time that user movement is fully reflected on the display using sensor devices. The Kalman filter is used to combine the accelerometer with the gyroscope in the sensing unit.

This paper shows that novel engineering (NE) is a creative learning process (CLP) based on Seymour Papert's constructionism. First, the paper introduces NE, CLP, and constructionism. Next, a sample NE lesson is explored. NE is an innovative way of integrating literacy into an engineering discipline that was developed by the Center for Engineering Education and Outreach (CEEO) at Tufts University. NE consists of seven steps: picking a book, identifying problems, designing solutions, building, feedback, upgrading solutions, and reconstructing stories. Lifelong Kindergarten by Mitchel Resnick of the MIT Media Lab describes CLP, and the four elements necessary for a lesson to be creative. NE can be viewed as one of the most creative, comprehensive learning models ever developed. NE integrates several paradigms in Korea, following all the constructs of both CLP and constructionism. The aim of this paper is to show that NE is based on both CLP and constructionism.

In this work, a transmitter/receiver front-end module (T/R FEM) with an automatic Tx/Rx switching scheme for a 2.4 GHz microwave power transfer is developed for a retro-reflective beamforming scheme. Recently, research on wireless power transfer techniques has moved to wireless charging systems for mobile devices. Retro-reflective beamforming is a good candidate for tracking the spatial position of a mobile device to be charged. In Tx mode, the T/R FEM generates a minimum of 1 W. It also comprises an amplitude and phase monitoring port for transmitting RF power. In Rx mode, it passes an Rx pilot signal from a mobile device to a digital baseband subsystem to recognize the position of the mobile device. The insertion loss of the Rx signal path is 4.5 dB. The Tx and Rx modes are automatically switched by detecting the Tx input power. This T/R FEM is a design example of T/R FEMs for wireless charging systems based on a retro-reflective beamforming scheme.